Page 138 of Remiss

Ignoring the advice, Axel dug in his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper, then handed it to Christopher. “That’s the list, Dad.”

“Of motherfuckers who disrespected your ma?”

“Uh huh.”

Annoyed with his son, Christopher threw it on the table. “You ain’t usin’ that as a diversionary tactic. Say hello to Celia and you ain’t gettin’ in trouble.”

“Nope, ‘cause see if you were thinking right, you wouldn’t just break the table with her. You’d want more information.”

“Break bread, and I got more information. You need to trust me.”

“You need toearnmy fucking trust, Dad. I just spent three days with your woman. She’s sad over you and mad over everyone else. Do youreallythink welcomingher, when that motherfucker wants to kill her, is a good idea?”

“Axel, shut the fuck up and sit the fuck down.”

“No.”

“Ax, remember, he’s Outlaw, not Dad,” Diesel said harshly.

“Not to me. He’s Dad all the time because I’m not a member of the club, Diesel, so don’t try to fucking play me.”

“Big head, I know you’re upset, but Outlaw…Dadis too. We all are. We miss Mom.”

“Then act like you have fucking sense when she gets home.” Axel turned to Dad. “As for you, make sure you repay everybody who upset her in front of her. You’ll win a lot of points that way.”

“Your ma ain’t gonna wanna see no blood and gore.”

“Mom wants retribution. She was nice for a long time, and nobody appreciated it. She won’t care, Dad. Trust me,” Axel said with pride.

“Mattie!” Rory cried.

Suddenly, Mattie, Kendall, Blade, Roxanne, Zoann, and Ophelia were there. Kendall, Mattie, and Blade hugged JJ and Rory, but barely acknowledged Johnnie. Roxanne reunited with Knox and Grant, then hugged Mortician. Zoann greeted her sons with open arms, then ran to Val.

“Where’s Winnie, Fee?” Stretch asked after she hugged and kissed him.

“Bunny took Gunner and is walking Winnie and Harley to their respective houses before she goes to Christopher’s.” Ophelia’s gaze fell on Celia. “Who are you?” she asked, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Celia,” Kendall answered around a sharp gasp.

“You would know her, Kendall,” Johnnie sneered.

“Who’s Celia?” Fee demanded.

“My big sister,” Christopher answered offhandedly, still reeling because his Megan hadn’t returned.

“What?” Fee rushed up to him and grabbed his hand. “You can’t just suddenly take another sister. I won’t allow it!”

“Shut the fuck up, Ophelia,” Zoann snapped and nodded to Celia. “I’m one of his younger sisters.”

“You shut up, Zoann,” Ophelia said, shocking the fuck out of everyone. Fee was the quiet one, the reasonable one. “You know you’re seething inside as well.”

“Bitch, I’m only seething over you and Cash. I want to stomp that motherfucker—”

“Outlaw beat you to it,” Val said.

“What?” Ophelia gasped and turned to Christopher. “You beat up Cash?”

“Didn’t you hear me, babe?” Val asked, frowning. “Hestompedthat motherfucker.”